Asking a favour
Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.
Preparation
Transcript
Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!
Do you know what to say when you want to ask a favour? Listen out for useful language for asking a favour. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.
Noelia: Paul, have you got a minute? I need a favour.
Paul: I'm a bit busy, but sure, what can I help you with?
Noelia: So, you know the branding job for Active Arctic?
Paul: Of course. It was so good to finally finish that project. It went on and on and on …
Noelia: Yeah, so … look, I'm really sorry about this, but they want some more changes made.
Paul: Seriously? I've already rewritten that copy, I don't know, like, 20 times?
Noelia: I know. I'm so sorry. Would you be able to work on it this afternoon?
Paul: Well, I'm not really sure if I can, Noelia. I'm finishing the Moosh Monkey social media campaign and they're expecting it by the end of the day.
Noelia: I'd forgotten about that. Is there any chance you could work late tonight?
Paul: Sorry, Noelia. I would if I could, but I can't.
Noelia: Please?
Paul: I'm taking my niece to the cinema for her birthday. It's been planned for ages.
Noelia: OK. Well, then could you come in early tomorrow? I'll make it up to you!
Paul: OK. How?
Noelia: Name your price.
Paul: An extra day's holiday?
Noelia: Can you get in for 5 a.m.?
Paul: 7 a.m.
Noelia: 6 a.m.
Paul: Deal.
Noelia: Deal.
Ana: Hello again! Looks like that's an early start for Paul tomorrow, then! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for asking a favour? Listen to me and then repeat.
Have you got a minute?
I need a favour.
What can I help you with?
I'm really sorry about this, but they want some changes.
Would you be able to work this afternoon?
I'm not really sure if I can.
Is there any chance you could work late?
I would if I could, but I can't.
Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to ask a favour in English. Bye for now!
The last time I did someone a favour was a few days ago. When I went to a supermarket, a lady asked me to help her get the frozen food from the top shelf because she thought I was tall enough to reach it.
Just last week, when I took a plant from a friend, to take care of it
I prepare two coffes, one for me and another for my girl!
It was when my sister asked me to borrow my son's tennis racket. I told her that I'm sure she could borrow it any time she needs.
I did many favour to many people, for example i land money to friend last month and this month too
Sorry, do you have a minute? I need a favour, please. Can you help me complete and correct my reports before deadline?
It was before yesterday. There was a guy in the Gym, he needed an Internet for his phone because there is an Opper is coming to take him. I connected my Cellular Wifi to his phone so he can be able to communicate with the driver. That was the favor I did becuase he asked for help.
Usually, In Saudi Arabia doing a favor for people its a must on our culture and community since we were kids.
Last night,l always do that with my closed friends
The last time I did someone a favor was one hour ago, my mom asked me to make a dessert and wash a dishes, and today I have helped a lot with the housework